8th Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court - Planning and Implementation

The Colorado Judiciary, on behalf of the 8th Judicial District, seeks federal support to plan and implement an evidence-based, post-adjudication Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) that conforms with All Rise 10 Key Components of Veterans Treatment Courts (Category 1: Planning and Implementation). This project will fund necessary staff positions, provide training, purchase risk assessments and substance testing, and fund responsive behavioral interventions targeting driving under the influence and domestic violence offenders.

This VTC will serve Larimer and Jackson counties and other referring Colorado jurisdictions with the adopted mission of supporting justice involved veterans through a collaborative and structured process. Helping provide reintegration, rehabilitation, and resources to create stability and provide accountability benefits the lives of the VTC participants, enhances public safety, and reduces recidivism. Known project subrecipients are the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Colorado State Public Defenders Office.

This project will serve approximately 88 justice involved veterans over the 48-month funding period, with the first 6 months of the project dedicated to planning and training. The anticipated average length of VTC program is 18 months but may be adapted to fit the needs of individual participants. It is expected that at least 12 months of participation will be required for participants to develop the stability and competencies needed for advancement. The program will target high-risk/high-need justice involved veterans with unmet behavioral health needs. Partner behavioral health and primary health treatment providers provide Food and Drug Administration approved medications to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders.